Friday, February 6, 2009

Richland College putting on music programs for senior citizens

By Pegasus News wire

Photo by Flickr user Fake Plastic Earth

Dallas Symphony Orchestra in action.

Plenty of research confirms that integrating art into the lives of senior citizens can improve the quality of mental and physical well-being. Numerous studies have been done proving that music, poetry, theater, and visual arts can help the aging process, from reducing the number doctor visits or medications taken to lessening the chance of depression and dementia among older adults.

This March, the Richland College Emeritus Program and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra (DSO) are teaming up to present two special events in hopes of enriching seniors’ lives through music. On Thurs., March 12 a seminar titled “Music: The World’s Storyteller” will be held from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. in Richland’s Fannin Performance Hall. The cost of the course is $25 and includes morning coffee and a box lunch. This one-day seminar will feature the Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s director of education, Jamie Allen; lecturer and world traveler, Gayle Ross; and Dr. Michael Crawford and Dr. Cindy Castañeda of Richland College. Attendees will hear performances by the Richland College Chorale group and DSO musicians including a group of minority students called Young Strings.

A special Dallas Symphony Orchestra class will be held on Thursday, March 19 and 26. Attendees will discover the ins and outs of Dallas’ world-class orchestra during this two-week series. The course costs $20. Starting at 10 a.m. on March 19, Jamie Allen will provide an in-depth lecture about the DSO and at 10:15 a.m. on March 26, attendees will tour the Meyerson Symphony Center for a behind-the-scenes look and sit in on a DSO rehearsal.

“Music is the universal language of mankind and is your own experience, your thoughts and your wisdom. As you listen to the performers, the stories and the music, allow yourself to be inspired and delighted as the music touches your heart strings,” says Mitzi Werther, director of Richland’s Emeritus Program.

To register for these courses, call 972-238-6147. For questions and additional details, visit www.richlandcollege.edu/emeritus or call 972-238-6972.

Source: Richland College

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• Community Colleges > Richland College
• Arts > Fine Arts > Classical Music
• Seniors